Closed PSL for Q

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was extremely nervous as he approached Cloud Recesses. He had arranged to meet with the Sect Leader to discuss an important proposal that he had recently recieved from the Emperor himself. The proposal had caught him off guard and something he didn't think was imaginable. It was rare that the Emperor even showed interest in the cultivation world. It was something he couldnt take lightely as it would helpp bridge the two worlds together. Yet, if he was honest with himself Wen Ning simply wanted to hide. He never imagined that becoming a Sect Leader would bring in oppurtuntiies he didn't realize were possible. He needed sound advice and one that wasn't judging or demanding.

This visit would also allow time for him to see his friends and get a small break. Once he arrived, Wen Ning still had time before he was able to talk with the Sect Leader. He chose to seek out WuXian for the time being.

Comments

[dogfearing]

WuXian happened to be out in the Cloud Recesses. What else was he doing? Playing with A-Yuan. The toddler was having fun running around and WuXian was "running" with him. He didn't have to run as fast to keep up with the child and everyone understood little ones ran even if disciples did not.

But spotting a familiar face, WuXian stopped. "Sect Leader Wen!" he called out, waving.

A-Yuan stopped running for a moment to see who his Mama was waving to and then he was running again, this time to Wen Ning. There would very soon be a toddler clinging happily to his leg.

"That means he likes you," WuXian said as he came over. "Long time no see."

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning smiled upon seeing his friend and bent down to pick up A-Yuan. He was quiet surprised that the toddler recognized him. It had been some time since he had seen the pair, sect buisness keeping him busy from visiting.

"You've gotten so big and your running now," Wen Ning softly greeted the child. Then he looked to the mother. "I'm aware.... please forgive this one for not visiting. I am at least writing....I had to do a lot of rearranging to be able to come here now. How are things fairing?"

As he walked alongside WuXian, he shifted A-Yuan so he was sitting on top of his shoulders.

[dogfearing]

Not so much that Yuan remembered him, but Mama thought he was a good person and good people were okay to go to. He was still a toddler; smiling faces won toddlers' hearts very easily.

"Yep!" Yuan declared. He was well and truly running and he was getting big.

WuXian waved a hand dismissively. "It's fine. It's fine. You are a sect leader. You have things to take care of. I spend all my time with a toddler." Not quite the same level, but still important jobs.

Yuan giggled as he was put on Wen Ning's shoulders, looking down at them. "Hi Mama!"

"Hi A-Yuan. Aiya! You've gotten so tall!"

Yuan giggled again.

"Things are going well here. WangJi's been taking juniors out on night hunts so it hasn't been the most exciting. How are things with you? What brings you here?"

[raddishpeddler]

"A-Yuan is taller then all of us!" Wen Ning chimed in with a chuckle.

"Things are running smoothly. There's so much paper work and meetings involved when I'm not having to deal with things in person. I still delegate a lot of tasks, but there's still a lot that only I'm allowed to deal with.

I get a few visitors from time to time checking in. Nie Hausang is a regular once his brother visited and felt that things were 'safe'...

But the visit here? I recieved an proposal of sorts from the Emperor..." Wen Ning softly commented and felt his ears turn red and tried to avoid eye contact.

[dogfearing]

Yuan clapped happily at the enthusiasm of him being taller than them, intent to stay there and look around from a vantage he didn't normally have. Well... he did when WangJi would pick him up in the village. Not usually in the Cloud Recesses.

"That's good, things running smoothly. It's not good when the opposite happens. Of course the life of a sect leader is two things: training and paperwork."

Okay, maybe more than that, but it seemed this was common.

"That's good. I always thought that you and Nie HuaiSang got along together well."

That last comment certainly got his attention and WuXian looked over at him. "The Emperor? What sort of proposal was that?"

Generally the Emperor didn't meddle in the affairs of the cultivators. They were allowed to do as they wished within reason.

[snowbirdprincess]

It was not an easy or particularly unstressful set of events, meeting with the Emperor. The preliminary background had already been researched by the Emperor's advisors so they knew much about Wen Ning - at least much as public knowledge that could be provided by other sect leaders or simply observed.

But actually meeting with the Emperor was certainly a good start. He was a serious man, for completely obvious reasons. His main wife, the Empress, definitely had an air that was far more calming than his. Finally, at what seemed to be the end of the meeting, the Emperor added one more stipulation: he needed to meet the princess in question's twin brother for his approval.

Normally, as the Empress explained as the prince was summoned, this was not typical, but after all, they were twins and the prince's mind was not going to be settled until he was certain that his sister was marrying the right person.

Only a few moments later, the prince arrived. He was dressed nicely, with finely embroidered robes. However, he did not have as many adornments as the Emperor and the Empress. Clearly, his status did not warrant it yet.

It was only now that the prince was introduced as Fourth Prince Jianli.

"Sect Leader Wen," Jianli said giving him a slight bow. "Would you care to accompany me so that we may talk privately?"

Aka, no large entourage.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning felt himself pale slightly at the latest stipulation, but gave a nod in understanding. "I can fully understand having a sister as well. I would want to make sure what that person would be a good fit for her."

Remembering what he was taught he followed through protocol before following the prince. His heart pounded loudly as he left the familiar faces behind. None of them had prepared for this. The whole meeting had been nerve wracking and now he still wasn't done. He prayed he didn't mess this up.

He couldn't help but compare himself to the young prince before him. While he was somewhat royal class, he had never been properly groomed for this or even considered to be a canidate to be the next Sect Leader. He wanted to shrink in himself and hide, but instead he held himself as he was taught.

He kept quiet waiting for the Prince to direct the conversation. He didn't know what was considered polite. Or even he was even expected to. He did his best to not openly stare at the prince or at everything around him.

[snowbirdprincess]

Of course, as they were leaving, Jianli did add say that Wen Ning could bring a guard or an attendant. Considering he had one as well who followed him out the door with his head slightly bowed, it was only right.

But it had to be a guard. No one of rank. Sorry, couldn't have Lan Xichen or WuXian come with him.

Jianli said nothing for a bit as they walked away from the hall where they had met with the Emperor. Finally, he did speak.

"It is your first time in the palace, I suppose, Sect Leader Wen. We can have some tea in the garden. It's quite lovely this time of year. Empress Dowager is quite pleased with it."

He certainly seemed pleasant enough and at least for the moment, was willing to engage in small talk.

[raddishpeddler]

He was relieved that he could have Wen Zhuilu with him. His pressence added some comfort. Granted his boydguard didn't know the ins and outs that Sect LeaderLan would have. Still, he was grateful for his pressence.

Wen Ning couldn't help but show genuine interest in said garden. It was something he found he could connect with. Yet, he was also afraid to reveal it believing it to be something domestic. Was that frowned upon? Was this one of her personal gardens or one she intrusted to guests?

"I would be delighted." Wen Ning replied. "I have a personal garden at home that I attend when I have the rare chance to do so. It's meant to be a medicinal garden."

He hoped it wasn't too much. They had always been more practical and it was always something he had a hard time to getting used to dealing with the extravangous of things his status now allowed.

[snowbirdprincess]

"Do you?" Jianli asked, very interested in that. "I'm sure the physicians here have such a garden, but I have never seen it. I'm sure my presence in the pharmacy would cause a fuss."

Since he was a prince and that was not where princes went without reason.

"Perhaps you can tell me more about it sometime. I'd be curious to learn."

Starting a new thread for consistency

[snowbirdprincess]

Finally, after several months and much formality and arrangements on both sides, the day had finally arrived: the day that Second Princess Meili and Wen Ning were supposed to wed.

It was a day that she had been waiting for eagerly since she had first met him. When she was younger, she had never been sure if she would eagerly await her wedding or dread the day that it came as she knew it was her fate to be married away from her family. So it was far more pleasant that she had awaited this day.

As it had approached, she and her mother had arranged everything that would be sent to Wen Ning as part of her dowry and within the week approaching, they and the servants packed up her residence aside from a few things that she would need in the days leading up to the wedding, all of which could be quickly packed by servants - or in the case of her cat, Ruoruo, easily caught.

The night before the wedding was both happy and sad. The three younger princesses (well, two and the last having to be brought because she still couldn't walk) came and lamented that their older sister was leaving as did maids she knew who were not selected or couldn't leave to be dowry maids. It was appropriate - female family and friends saying their goodbyes as they wouldn't see her so often. Of course, they were also joined by little brother Jianhe who also lamented her leaving. Meili reassured them that she would come to visit as often as she could, that Qishan Wen was not so far away. Later, she did the ceremony to help rid her of bad luck, her mother there with her.

Bright and early the next morning, on her wedding day, she was awoken at an ungodly hour to have her hair done in a fashion to how a married woman would wear it. Her mother and her father's two most favored consorts aside from the Empress were there, the three of them giving her advice for how to have a long and happy marriage while her hair was being done. After that, they helped her dress in her red and gold robes and shoes, doing her makeup so she was pale with red lips, and putting all the gold ornaments in her hair to form a crown of sorts. It was her wedding day. It was a day to be extra fancy if there never was another one.

Once she was made up and sitting in the only chair left in the room as most had been either packed if they were coming with her or they had been moved elsewhere so there was exactly one place where she could be waiting for her groom, her father and Jianli and Jianjing came into the room. Her brothers both said that they would miss her and asked for her to write them often if she couldn't come to visit. They were far more subdued than Jianhe had been, but they were older and more knowledgeable of the world and approaching their own age for marriage, knowing that they would soon bring a young woman or two from her home to be their wives and perhaps hoping to give their sister the same transition out that they hoped their wives would have, nothing causing too much stress on her wedding day.

It was then that her father, the Emperor, also wished his daughter well and a long and happy marriage, telling her she could visit as often as allowed by her husband. Meili promised that she would and then the Emperor and her mother helped to put the red veil on her before they left the room.

All that was left for her to do was wait for Wen Ning to come to her room, Zhelan and another higher ranked maid waiting with her, both of whom would be accompanying her in her carriage, four other younger maids waiting out of sight, one keeping track of Ruoruo.

For Wen Ning - as he had been warned by Meili at their last meeting before the wedding - there was her brother Jianli and three young princesses to bribe to show him to her residence to retrieve her.

Re: Starting a new thread for consistency

[raddishpeddler]

He couldn't believe that the final day has arrived. Everything had been so hectic leading up to the wedding itself. He was constantly busy dealing with the event when he wasn't dealing with the regular issues that would crop up from time to time.

He barely slept the last few days fretting over everything. He usually had to be told by his family to leave it alone. There were so many people from various sects coming and going that were helping out. Then there was all the various advice eveyrone had to bestow on him. Some of it was a bit outlandish, why others were a bit too much. It only added more to his stress.

Then on the day of the wedding he and his entrouge left early to go retrieve the princess. Nervously he presented the various gifts he had for her siblings, saying what he was told to say in the process. He had brought something for everyone even though he had a feeling he might not see them all. He knew only a handful would be there, but he still wanted to include the rest. He also brought some money along for the various maids. The most eleborate gift was the bow and arrow set that Wen Ning had personally made for her brother. He had been working on that since their first meeting.

[snowbirdprincess]

Of course, everyone had advice for him. It seemed to be standard practice: give the soon to be married man advice on everything. WuXian had joined in with the advice, but after making a few jokes while Yuan napped in his arms, he really did give some serious advice.

WuXian was also staying behind in Qishan with HuaiSang and others to help finish setting up for the wedding and everything else. Lan WangJi, Jiang Cheng, and Jin Zixuan had come with Wen Ning to help guard the princess in the trip to Qishan Wen. All of them wore red sashes in place of the normal color and WangJi wore his blue traveling robes (didn't want to offend by participating in a wedding while wearing white.

Everyone of status in the palace dressed nicely for the arrival of Wen Ning and the departure of their princess. Jianli was the first to be bribed, waiting near the gate leading the residences. Behind him were clearly specifically placed princesses and a few maids as well. They were clearly lining the route to where Meili's residence was.

[raddishpeddler]

With Wen Zhuliu at his side, Wen Ning stepped inside the palace. He was dressed in his wedding clothes that were just as eleborate as the robes he wore when he first met Meili. He was doing his best to not wear out the cuffs of his sleeves from his own nervousness on the journey up. Wen Zhuliu was carrying the gifts that Wen Ning had brought him as his the bribes.

He bowed before Jianli. "I present you this bow that I had crafted myself. I had wished to show you that through my skills that I will be able to protect and take care of your sister." Wen Ning stated as Wen Zhuliu presented the bow and quiver to the prince.

[snowbirdprincess]

As Wen Zhuliu went in with Wen Ning, the three sect heirs waited patiently with the horses and the carriages that would be needed soon. Of course, anything coming last minute like the rest of the dowry and princess's own belongings were being packed onto one of the carts quite efficiently by the servants. Soon they would bring the four maids not directly assisting her and the cat.

Jianli would have liked to have said he was the toughest of the group to appease. It was his sister after all. He'd even mentally prepared for it because he rather liked Wen Ning and his sister adored him so it was not the easiest to make it hard on him.

But really, how was he supposed to argue when he gave him something like that? There was no way that he could possibly say that wasn't enough.

"Ah... thank you. Yes, this certainly says that you will be able to take care of her." With no hesitation, he stepped out of the way. "Please proceed."

The next was the Third Princess he had met before, Meirong. She had her attendant standing with her, an older lady dressed similar to the ladies who had attended the youngest children. As Wen Ning approached, Meirong would move to stand in front of him.

New thread

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning really didn't want to get up. It was too early and he was still exhausted from all the travel the day before. They also didn't sleep much as they spent most of the night getting used to each other and exploring one another.

They still have more ceremonal things to worry about for the wedding and Wen Ning still had to properly introduce his wife to his family before he introduced her to everyone else that day. He would have rathered spent the day with her in bed like this, but knew that would have to wait.

It still pleased him to wake up to Meili asleep in his arms, something he had dreamed about for some tim. He was content just watching her sleep, but knew he needed to her wake up before the maid came in to remind them. He pulled her close and kissed her.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili could certainly agree with that. She didn't want to get up either. She had enjoyed her evening with Wen Ning, with her husband. There were still things that needed to be done, but she wasn't necessarily ready to do them.

Oh well, duty would eventually call.

She blinked her eyes open slowly as Wen Ning kissed her and then smiled. "Good morning, husband."

Not that either really needed the reminder, but it was nice to be able to say it.

[raddishpeddler]

"Good morning, wife," Wen Ning greeted with a smile. He shifted allowing her some room to sit up. "In a few more days we'll be able to properly catch up on our sleep and not have to worry about anything else save for regular buisness."

For now he wasn't about to move. They had a few more minutes before they had to get ready. This gave them some time to wake up a little more and not rush around.

[snowbirdprincess]

She smiled at their mutual exchange of titles. It was rather nice to be able to say that finally. Ever since she had met him, she had been waiting for their marriage and now it had happened. She couldn't be happier. "Yes, there is still so much to do today."

But there was still a little time.

Of course, that time would come sooner than either of them wanted. There was a knock at their door, followed by Zhelan letting herself in. She was only facing them a few moments, keeping her head down before turning so her back was to them.

"Sect leader. Mistress. I am here to assist my mistress with getting ready."

At the very least she had understood that there was a high chance they were not decent and she was trying not to cause a problem.

[raddishpeddler]

Wen Ning was just in the middle of kissing Meili, only to quickly pull away as Zhelan had entered. So much for the little time they had. He moved to retrieve his clothing and quickly pull on his trousers and inner robes, enough to be decent.

He then let her know it was safe to proceed to help his wife. While she was helping her, he went about making himself more presentable. This was something he was going to have to get used to. He believed that over time they would figure out a routine together. Right now it was just trying to get through the rest of the formalities.

[snowbirdprincess]

It felt like so many months had passed since the tournament that Wen Ning had hosted. In reality, it had been that long. However, it had been just long enough for Meili to discover that she - like her mother before her - was pregnant with twins and it was near the time for her to give birth.

In a letter to her mother, she had absently expressed concern over the fact that she was going to have twins. Not because she was pregnant, but because that meant giving birth twice at once and raising both at once even if she would have nursemaids. She hadn't really expected anything except some encouraging words.

However, that wasn't she - or Qishan Wen - got.

What they did get was a letter back saying that the Empress had spoken with the Emperor and he had allowed her to leave the palace - with an entourage of guards and servants - to come and attend her daughter until after she gave birth. Also tagging along was one (1) Imperial Physician and two (2) midwives frequently employed by the palace when the consorts were giving birth. Since none of them were even pregnant at the moment, the Emperor thought that he could spare them from being close to the palace for the sake of his favorite daughter.

Well, today was the day they were arriving. Meili was both excited and nervous, the same nervous that had led her to write to her mother. But she knew she'd feel better once she was there since then she'd have her husband and her mother there.

But she was certainly holding Wen Ning's hand awfully tight while they waited.

[raddishpeddler]

It seemed like so much was going on and that the months quickly flew by. It had been quite some time since Wen Ning had hosted the tournament and annouced that his wife was pregnant. Only recently they learned that it just wasn't one child, but twins! They had been blessed with good fortune and Wen Ning made sure to send A-Yuan and his parents a grand gift. He was also the first sect leader to have a set of twins as well so the cultivation world were all excited by the news.

While it was great news, Wen Ning also knew the risks of having twins and how hard it would be for the mother. He knew how much Meili worried over the it and did his best to be supportitive as possible. Most of her work as a Sect's leader wife was given out to other people that he believed were suitable for the job. Plus, his sister Wen Qinq had been granted permission to stay for the time being. She took over most of his wife's tasks for the time being and made sure Meili was on strict bed rest.

Wen Ning always made time to see his wife and shared meals with her so she wasn't cooped up by herself in the room. He also kept her up to date on everything. If he wasn't around Nei Hausiang was around and he kept her company by reading various books or poetry or anything that was interesting at the time.

He was grateful that the Emperor had given the Emperess permission to come and stay at the castle. It had been a surprise. At best he assumed maybe a midwife or two, but allowing the Emperess to stay caught him off guard. This also showed as well how much he loved his daughter and it touched Wen Ning greatly.

Now that the Emperess was arriving, Meili was given permission to be allowed to greet her mother and enterouge. Wen Ning stayed by herside the entire time, holding her hand and giving it a tight squeeze in turn to offer support. He could feel her holding his hand tightly and knew she was nervous.

Together they greeted the Emperess and once she and her enterouge were settled in, they asked permission to visit. Now they would be able to talk more in private and Meili could rest as well. Snacks and tea were also prepared.

[snowbirdprincess]

Meili certainly appreciated all of the support that she was getting. She was more than willing to accept her sister-in-law coming to live with them for the time being as well as her taking over the tasks that she had normally carried out on a daily basis. It gave her more time to rest, which was very important considering she was far larger than she had ever seen her father's consorts being when they were pregnant. Even when her mother had been pregnant with her little brother, she hadn't been so large... and her mother had even been in rather good spirits compared to others since it was easier for her than it had been the first time.

Meili had sent her maids to arrange rooms for her mother, her maids and servants, the midwives, and the physician who would be coming as well.

When they arrived, of course everyone performed the normal bow to greet the Empress, but the Empress almost practically jumped out of the carriage to stop her daughter from trying to bow. Once everyone had been sent off in the various directions they needed to go or with an idea of who to speak to, the Empress was more than happy to go with them to a private room to rest.

"I was so surprised to hear that you were having twins, A-Li," the Empress said once they were alone with only a few servants. "As soon as I told your Royal Father, he insisted that I come."

"Thank you, Royal Mother," Meili said. "I'm glad that you are here."

[raddishpeddler]

"It's was quite a surprise for everyone. Naturally the sects are very excited! None of them had twins as heirs.

But I must admit that I am nervous too. I've only helped deliver just signal babies. My sister had at one point helped deliever more then one.

We've been doing our best to make everything as easy for Meili. It's really reassuring having you here to help." Wen Ning stated.

Wen Ning sat beside his wife, wrapping his hand around hers giving it another tight squeeze in comfort.


He kept his own worries in check not wanting to upset his wife further. Admitting it was hard enough, but to go into detail wouldn't do well. Maybe in private he could talk more for now he would let Meili share her concerns.

[snowbirdprincess]

"I'm sure that they are excited. It's not every day that twins are born anywhere," the Empress said. "It was quite a surprise for everyone when I was pregnant. It was before I was the Empress so I made sure to be extra careful. Only the Emperor and Noble Consort Fa, my maids, one doctor, and the midwives knew."

That might have sounded like a lot of people but relatively speaking that was practically no one.

"There were quite a few surprised people when Fourth Prince and Second Princess were born." To put it mildly.

"It is good that you have been doing that. Twins are quite difficult. In fact, when I was pregnant with Seventh Prince, everyone was worried that I was too active because I didn't feel like I had the first time."

Meili just smiled. Clearly it was not the first time hearing this and quite likely she had been one of the people trying to help convince her mother to rest at that time. She squeezed Wen Ning's hand in return when he took it.

"Of course. I am happy to be here. The most senior midwife who attended me has since left service but one of the ones who came was the youngest when my twins were born and the other has been praised highly by other consorts. She helped to deliver the Twelfth Prince."